There’s plenty of social frivolities and relaxed drinking at the newly restored Kennigo Social House, but as the original owner, Irene preferred it is all respectable gentlemen only.
Irene was the landlady here in 1885. She came from County Galway to marry Digger McPherson and ran a boarding house where sitting down to share the evening meal with conversation befitting a gentile establishment was not only expected but demanded.
Her name is still over the door, and there’s a hint via some unexplained flickering of the lights and a few other anomalies that suggest Irene hasn’t quite left the building.
Local and seasonal at Kennigo Social
But Irene must be pleased with the food chef Steven Herald is creating and his focus on seasonal and flavoursome ingredients.
Steven’s new brunch menu sparkles with the sort of food that makes you want to try one of everything. There’s a buttery croissant with a thick spread of lime curd made in house using lines from a neighbour’s lime tree.
Lemon features again in the lemon curd ice cream accompanying the buttermilk pancakes and Sunshine Coast berries.
The house made granola is slow roasted with plenty of maple syrup but not too much to negate it’s healthy status, while the corn bread is light and crumbly, a good foil to the crushed, not smashed avocado with torn buffalo mozzarella.
The Filthy Burger, with a fried free range egg, bacon fries and a hit of sriracha mayo is perfect hangover food, or really just perfect.
The Filthy Burger, with a fried free range egg, bacon fries and a hit of sriracha mayo is perfect hangover food, or really just perfect.
There’s also some pick me up the morning after the night before options such as Irene’s Bloody Mary. It’s brewed for 24 hrs using muddled tomatoes fresh horseradish and a hint of chill. Avocado margarita is a meal in itself. This thick and creamy concoction has a true margarita kick, but it’s not top of my list.
Where is Kennigo Social House?
You’ll find Kennigo Social House in the Mantra Richmont Hotel on Kennigo Street, Spring Hill.
Ed+bK rating 4/5 stars
It’s a little unexpected to find this quality food in a hotel breakfast room, but there’s no denying this is a place where I’ll return to enjoy brunch again.
Best tip: Brunch is available all day.
Bottom line: Breakfast ranges from $7 to $22. Coffee is $4 for a cappuccino.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of Kennigo Social House.
